ILLA (Indonesian Language Learning Ambassador)
The first iteration of the Indonesian Language Learning Ambassadors (ILLA) program ran between 2017 and 2019. It was then put on hold due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Following Indonesian President Joko Widodo's visit to Australia in July 2023, a joint announcement with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese confirmed the ILLA program's resumption in Australian primary and secondary schools.
Australia Awards in Indonesia is proud to be developing and implementing the re-launched Indonesian Language Learning Ambassadors program in early 2024 and will continue to expand it in 2025 and beyond. The program will involve even more host institution partners across Australia.
The Australia Awards is a prestigious and transformational scholarship program funded by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade for emerging leaders from developing countries.
Australia Awards Scholarship recipients involved in ILLA are living in Australia and studying a Master or PhD program in a range of disciplines at an Australian university. The scholarship recipients come from diverse backgrounds, with teachers well-represented among them.
At any given time, there are over 300 Indonesian Australia Awards scholars in Australia.
When they complete their program, scholars return to Indonesia to use their knowledge, skills, and experience to contribute to Indonesia’s development, prosperity, and resilience.
WHAT IS ILLA?
ILLA matches participating Australian schools and universities with the ‘Ambassador’, an Indonesian scholar funded by the Australian Government.
The ILLA program provides Australian Government-funded scholars from Indonesia with an opportunity to directly engage with Australian schools or universities – teachers or lectures and students – and learn first-hand about Australian culture, community, and classroom teaching practices. It also enables Ambassadors to share their skills and knowledge of the Indonesian language, culture, and customs and establish local Australian community connections.
Australian schools and universities engaged in the program will benefit from passionate and engaged Indonesian Australian Government-funded scholars willing to share their language, knowledge, cultural perspective, and enthusiasm about Indonesia. School and university students involved with the program will improve their knowledge and understanding of Indonesia through direct experiences with an Ambassador.
WHAT ARE ILLA’S LIKELY OUTCOMES?
For schools: ILLA offers a simple and effective way to engage and advance students’ Indonesian language skills and conversation proficiency, as well as an enhanced awareness of Indonesia. A positive experience will have benefits extending far beyond the classroom, creating a cohort of culturally inclusive students and stimulating interest in learning Indonesian.
For Universities: ILLA offers interaction with Indonesians as native speakers with diverse accents, enriching the linguistic experience for students and exposing them to contemporary and real-world contexts through enriched class content. It also increases the opportunity to foster cross-cultural understanding and friendships, strengthening and building linkages with Indonesia’s current and future change agents.
Depending on the background, skills, experience, and passions of the Ambassador and the interests or priorities of the school or universities, this may encompass history, politics, culture, food, dance, music, customs, sport, art, and Q&A sessions. ILLA Ambassadors will provide a different perspective, enthusiasm, and energy and be able to share their experiences as a true global citizens.
For the ILLA Ambassadors: ILLA provides a great opportunity to engage in a meaningful way with a broad cross-section of the Australian population as reflected in each school or university community.
They will gain real-life experience in an Australian classroom, working alongside an experienced educator. They will have the opportunity to practice public speaking and presentation skills and share their passions and experiences in Australia.
Both the professional experience in the classroom and the interactions with the school or university community – teachers or lecturers and students – will provide invaluable insight into Australian culture, memories that will last a lifetime, as well as skills that will better equip them for their future careers.
Schedule for 2025 ILLA Application
- Cohort 1: December 2024: Click here for application instructions and here to access the application form.
- Cohort 2: May 2025
For further information, please contact us at ILLA@australiaawardsindonesia.org, and please check our guideline here.
